Uganda has reinforced its military presence in eastern Congo, deploying 1,000–2,000 additional troops near the M23 conflict zone. The move raises concerns over a regional escalation, as Uganda and Rwanda both have forces operating in the area amid growing instability.
Uganda has significantly increased its troop presence in eastern Congo, sending between 1,000 and 2,000 additional soldiers in the past week as part of Operation Shujaa, its joint mission with the Congolese army.
The reinforcements bring the total number of Ugandan troops in the region to between 4,000 and 5,000, according to diplomatic and U.N. sources. Uganda says the deployment is aimed at tackling the Islamist Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), but the troops are stationed near areas controlled by the M23 rebels, fueling concerns of further escalation.
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, capturing the strategic city of Goma last month. The conflict has deepened regional tensions, with Rwanda and Uganda accused of backing opposing factions in the violence.
While Uganda officially supports Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in combating armed groups, U.N. reports suggest that Ugandan forces have also had ties to M23, a claim Uganda denies.
Local residents in Butembo reported seeing Ugandan soldiers moving toward the M23 front lines in recent days. Uganda’s military spokesperson Felix Kulayigye denied the deployment was a major expansion, saying its forces had merely changed to a “posture of offensive defence” without providing further details.
Congo’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya emphasized that Uganda’s primary mission remains fighting the ADF, but acknowledged that clashes between Ugandan and Rwandan forces in the M23-controlled areas could not be ruled out.
With thousands of people displaced by the renewed fighting, regional leaders are under growing pressure to de-escalate tensions before the conflict spreads further.
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